Matt Smith joins "Terminator: Genesis" cast

May 2nd, 2014

Matt Smith has joined the cast of 'Terminator: Genesis'.

The former 'Doctor Who' star is set to play a new character, with a strong connection to central character John Connor, in the upcoming reboot, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, 'Game of Thrones' star Emilia Clarke and 'Lawless' actor Jason Clarke.

The fifth instalment in the series, which is being directed by Alan Taylor, went into production last month and will be released in July 2015, according to Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions.

The 31-year-old British actor, who can be seen next on the big screen in 'Lost River,' directed by Ryan Gosling, alongside Christina Hendricks, Saoirse Ronan and Eva Mendes, quit his role as the titular Time Lord on the BBC sci-fi series at the end of last year, and previously admitted he was eager to explore bigger opportunities.

He said: ''I'd always talked about leaving after the 50th anniversary. It's a very intense process to play the Doctor. The line learning is really hard, and you have to live away from home for nine or 10 months a year. I love the show, and it wasn't an easy choice to come to, but it's the right time for both of us.''